Jura 12 Year

I have witness how Jura have fallen. Every year the released expressions are weaker, thiner and the whole reputation of this distillery has crashed. This 12yo is one of those cases where a cheap bottle is falling behind in comparison to any other expression of the same age from any other distillery. Bottled at 40%abv, really beautiful reddish color (i don't know if it is colored, but it seems so). On the nose, a thin cigarrette note. Then red fruits, thick caramel, acid prunes. A nice aroma of home made dulce de leche has appeared after a first sip. On the palate, lt is not the best whisky out there. Sulphur and salt; dim chocolare for a second. A little rough, it actually feels like grain whisky. caramel. Aftertaste is almost non-existent. Sawdust and a little salt for a second. That is it. Very short aftertaste. Overall, this wasn't the best whisky i have had, lol. I don't even feel dissapointed at this point, my feelings about Jura are starting to be more like sadness. They have to improve their game, specially considering that they belong to Whyte & Mackay, who are also owners of the marvelous Dalmore. My score for this whisky is a scary 69 over 100.

This bottle feels like your favourite old chair, saggy and stained - out of place and an eye sore according to my wife. Yet we are drawn to it. Is it the comfort? The smell? Or the memories it draws that we enjoy. On the nose: it’s a mixed bag, with roasted berries and honey standing out at first. A second pull bring sea salt with chilli, and some vanilla. An lovely oak note lingers. On the palate; light at first - berries make a small appearance, I detect roasted strawberries followed by a soft smoke note. Honey follows with some chilli, then a touch of pine. The finish starts off light, a breathe of fresh pine followed by the spice. Smoke comes after and lasts around for a while. I’ve never thought much of this bottle, but the fact that it is always on sale has be buying it over and over. This bottle is complex, not necessarily balanced, but does have a lot to offer. Jura 10 year is similar, but the 12 brings in more smoke and spice. Not a knockout for flavour, but this does a great job at being good and interesting. I’ll continue to buy it as the value is competitive.

Woody. Not that sweet.